Electric signaling and controlling apparatus



L, 3 WINTQN 3354,85?

ELECTRIC SIGNALING AND CONTROLLING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 21, 1929- 114 f 'fl V 1w Jil INVENTOR. Laws 5'. WwTo/v BY 5182M A TTORNEY Patented Apr. 11, 1934 UNITED: s'rA'res PATENT OFFICE ELECTRIC SIGNALING AND CONTROLLING APPARATUS Lewis B. 'Winton, Wyncote, Pa., 'assignor to The Brown Instrument Company,

Philadelphia,

The present invention consists in an improved switch mechanism especially deviced and adapted for use-in a multiple switch relay forming a part of electric signaling and controlling apparatus in which one or more of a plurality of electrically controlled devices are selectively actuated accordingly as the value of a quantity being measured varies from a predetermined normal value. The devices so actuated may consist of,-

or actuate, indicating means for exhibiting the character of the variations, or may consist of, or actuate adjusting means tending to restore the quantity measured to its normal value on variations therefrom, or may consist of, or actuate,

both indicating and adjusting means.

Apparatus of the above type is particularly useful in tions in installations in which the furnace temperature is measured by a thermocouple or thermometer and a control meter responsive thereto. In such apparatus a selective relay is usually as,- sociated with the control meter and actuated thereby to operate furnace control elements, which may be simple indicating. devices, such as 5 signal lamps, from the indications of which the furnace may be manually controlled. Automatic temperature adjusting devices may be used in lieu of or in addition to such indicating devices. The relay is operated in different ways when the furnace temperature is above, below and at the predetermined normal value. Apparatus of this general type is disclosed in the U. S. patent of Richard P. Brown, No. 1,443,165, granted January 23, 1923.

The general object of my present invention is to provide an improved switch mechanism pri-' marily devised and especially adapted but not necessarily restricted to use in the selective relay of signaling and control apparatus of the above 40 mentioned character. A relay adapted for such use and embodying the present invention is adapted to be selectively actuated in one way when the value of the quantity measured by the control meter is at a predetermined normal value, in a second way when it slightly exceeds the normal value, in a third way when it greatly exceeds the normal, in a fourth way when it falls slightly below normal, and in a fifth way when the fall is greater. When embodied in afurnace 5O temperature control system in which the value of the temperature is indicated by means of three differently colored incandescent lamps, the latter are illuminated individually or in combination, accordingly as the relay is actuated.

55. The various features of novelty which characcontrolling furnace temperature condi-' terize my invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this specification. For a better understanding of the invention, however, and the advantages possesed by it reference should be had to the accompanying drawing and descriptive matter in which I have illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Of the drawing:

Fig. 1 is an elevation of a preferred form of my improved relay;

Fig. 2 is a section on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1; and

Fig. 3 is a wiring diagram illustrating the relay of Figs. 1 and 2 incorporated in electric signaling apparatus for temperature control.

In the drawing and particularly in Fig. 3, I have illustrated electric signaling apparatus for indicating variations in value of the temperature of a furnace and which comprises a control meter A having a galvanometer pointer A arranged to move over a contact mechanism in accordance with the variations in value of the E. M. F. set up in a thermo-couple B, responding to the temperature of the furnace (not shown). The contact mechanism comprises a central contact N adjusted for the desired operating temperature, high and low temperature contacts H and L, respectively, at opposite sides of and sligh ly spaced from the central contact, and a tact table A extending parallel to and co-extensive with the contacts L, N and H, as indicated. Periodically the pointer A is depressed through a motor A energized from supply conductors 1 and 2 to establish an electric circuit between one of the contacts L, N or H then directly below it and the contact table A. The contact ends being only slightly spaced apart, the normal contact N can be simultaneously actuated with either of the contacts H or L when the pointer is in the proper position. The contacts N, L and H are connected as to terminal posts N, L and H on the meter, while the contact table A is shown connected to the supply conductor 1. The thermo-couple B is connected to the galvanometer element through conductors 3 and 4.

The terminal posts H, N' and L' are connected to corresponding terminal posts H", N and Liof a selective relay mechanism D by conductors 5, 6 and 7, respectively. The relay D comprises three stationary electromagnets DH, DN and DL 105 mounted on a base plate D of insulating material. Each of the magnets has a coil D surrounding a metallic core D. A stationary control contact E is arranged at each side of each electromagnet coil and adapted to contact with a movable contact E" at the upper end of a flat el spring 15*. The springs E for each pair of contactshave their lower ends connected to ahorizontal barE carried by an arma- 8 ture F, which has a vertical end portion F with a horizontal pivotal connection Fwith thebas'e plate D. The horizontal portion F of the armature extends outwardly below the electromagnet core D and adjacent its. outer end. i provided with upwardly projecting studs F. By this arrangement the armature moves upwardly in a Q vertical plane into contact with the electromagnet when the latter is energized. By this movement the contacts E and E are brought into contact with the springs E? flexed inwardly.

'Oneterminalofthecoilsoieachofthelectromagnets DL, DH and DH is connected to the corresponding terminal posts L. N and 11 by conductors 5', 6' and 7', respectively. The secand terminal of each coil is connected by branch conductors 9, 10,and 11 to a common conductor 8 leadingto the supply conductor 2. The lower -N=andli ,asshowninFig.3.

- end'of each contact spring E associated with the electromagnets is also connected to the supply conductor 2 through short branch conductors 12; 13 and 14 connected to the conductors 9, and 11, respectively. The corresponding controlco'ntacts E are connected'to the terminal postal A lamp bank K, consisting of three diiierently colored incandescent lamps K, K and K prei-' erably colored respectively, green, white and red,

is arranged in a position in which it can be quickly observed by the'operator. One side of each lamp is connected to a corresponding terminal post-H N or I while the other side is connected to the supply conductor 1 through a common conductor l5. Snap switches J and J. are arranged in the conductors leading to the supply conductors whereby various parts of the controlling apparatus may be disconnected when desired. Safety fusesJandJ-arealsoarrangedinthe energizing circuits oi the relay and meter, respectively.

With the circuit connections described and the furnace temperature at apredetermined normal valu the galvanometer pointer A will establish an electrical connection between the contact table A and contact N in a well known manner; The

electrOmaenet DN will consequently be ener-.

gized causing the corresponding armature F to be drawn upwardly against the pole face of the core thereby closing the connection between the corresponding contacts E and E and illuminating the lamp For other values of the furnace temperature above or below the normal temperature the circuitsof the contacts L or H will be closed energizing the corresponding electromagnets DL or DH and the lamps Kf It is desirable that the indicating system seeduce a continuous indication of the furnace temperature so that the operator can be acquainted at all times with the operating conditions. To

eiiect such an arrangement, the corresponding control contacts E and E for each electromagnet closed imtil one ofthe elts isenergized and when that occurs the first pair of contacts must be opened,.

otherwise it is apparent that the signaling syswould be inaccurate.' The present relay therefore comprises means for mechanically eiiecting theabove result. In the t illustrated each armature is provided with a metallic plate M secured to its outer. end and provided with an integral accessi- I stopll'bentoutwardlyatanangletotheplatc M. Apairofbearingmembers'Oarepositioned,

on the base plate D'below the armatures F I, I

arranged to rotatahly support a horiaontalshaft 0'. At spaced points on the shaft '0' latchmembersP. Eachofthelatchmembers P comprises a vertical plate P arranged in ment with the armature stop M; The inneredgeoitheplatel" iscut awayin a predetermined manner, as shown in Fig.2,to

form a projectingshoulder P adjacent its upper end. In the normal position of the latch the upper edge of the shoulder P is inclined inwardly. One of the latch members, preferably, the

middle latch, is connected at its inner side to the baseplate D' by a spiral sprin 2. which constantly tends to move theshaft 0 and latch members P towards the base plate.

Withthe parts constructed and arranged as described, on'a normal furnace temperature indication the electromagnet DN will be energized causing the corresponding armature 1- to'ibe' drawn upwardly. During this, movement of the armature the lower edge oithe stop M will contactwith the vertical inner side of the'latch shoulder P', causinglthe'latch to be rotated outwardly thetension of the spring- Q.

when the is'in its uppermost position the jstopjhi'aecontacts with the portion of the latch. above the shoulder l? and the and E are closed. The elecduring the-periodic intervals in which the'point-' er is depressed. In the intervalbetween depresaim the magnet DH is deenergized causing the armature F to be released- Due to the relative nt eof,the parts, the armature falls only aslight distance until the stop M engages the upper edge of the shoulder P, as shown in Fig. 2. The flexure and location of, the contact sprin is; is sufllcientto maintain the contacts E andE closed during this movement of the armatureandthelampK=willremainillumi-- Assuming that the furnace temperature now materially increases due to some change in' the operating conditions, then the pointer A will be deflected from its position above the contact N to a position above H and when the next depression of the pointer occurs, the circuit through the contact H and electromagnet DH will be closed and a movement of the corresponding armature F to that heretofore described, will occur. The magnet DN being now de-energized and its armature stop M held in its intermediate position by the corresponding latch member only, the vertical movement of them-mature of the magnet DH will cause the corresponding latch member to be fiivedoutwardly, electing a similar movement of the other latch members inasmuchas all are rigidly connected to the shaft 0' and thereby removing the tion of the lamps, either of the lamps K or K can be simultaneously illuminated with the lamp both contacts N and H are connected to the contact A. In the one case the simultaneous energiration of the contacts L and N will cause the simultaneous energization of the electromagnetic switch mechanisms DN and DL. and in the other case, the simultaneous energization of the contacts N and H will cause the simultaneous energization of the m DN and DH. The following deenergization of the two electromagnets leaves their armatures both held in their switch closing positions by the corresponding latch plates P as the armature of the electromagnet is shown as held in Fig. 2.

With the armatures of two of the electromagnets held in their switch closing position by the corresponding switch latch members P, it is apparent that the subsequent reenergization of either of said two electromagnets will not act through the corresponding part M to rotate the shaft 0 sufllciently to release the armature of the other electromagnet, even though the latter is then reenergized. To insure the release of the armature of one of two electromagnets previously simultaneously energized when only the other of those two electromagnets is reenergized, each armature plate M is shown as provided with an integral depending hook'member NF having its lower curved portion positioned at the rear of a laterally extending pin P mounted on the corresponding latch plate P'. Each member M is arranged to coact with the corresponding pin P so that when the armatures of any two electromagnets are held in their switch closing positions by the corresponding latch members the subsequent reenergization of one only of the said two electromagnets will cause the hook M pertaining to the electromagnet then reenergized to impact against the corresponding pin P and thereby rotate the latch shaft 0' against the action of the spring Q through a distance great enough to release the armature of the one of said two electromagnets which is not then reenergized. The

armature of the magnet then reenergized is held against the corresponding electromagnet core during the period of reenergization and resumes its latched position when the last mentioned electromagnet is deenergized, as the spring Q then returns the latch members to their latching positions.

With the foregoing relay construction and mode of operation, it is apparent that with only three lamps in the bank, any one of the lamps may be individually illuminat and either of the lamps K or K simultane illuminated with the lamp K so that the variations in value of the temperature are quickly and accurately indicated to the operator.

While in accordance with the provisions of the statutes, I have illustrated and described the best form of my invention now known to me, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes may be made in the form of the apparatus disclosed without departing from the spirit of my invention as set forth in the appended claims and that in some cases certain features of my invention may be used to advantage without a corresponding use of other features.

Having now described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. A relay mechanism comprising a plurality of electromagnets, an armature mounted adjacent each of said electromagnets and movable toward and away therefrom as the corresponding electromagnet is energized and deenergized, respectively, a contact mounted on each of said armatures and movable therewith, a stationary contact positioned adjacent each of said movable contacts and adapted to contact therewith when the corresponding electromagnet is energized, a common contact maintaining means actuated by the energization of any one of said electromagnets to maintain contact between the said contacts then brought into contact when said electromagnet is subsequently deenergized, and means actuated by the subsequent ene tion of another of said electromagnets rende said flrst mentioned means inoperative.

, 2. A relay mechanism comprising a plurality of electromagnets, an armature positioned adjacent each of said electromagnetsand movable toward and away therefrom as the corresponding electromagnet is energized and deenergized, respectively, a stationary contact adjacent each of said armatures, a contact resiliently supported by each of said armatures and adapted to contact with one of said stationary contacts when the corresponding electromagnet is energized, a common contact maintaining means including latching means associated with each electromagnet and actuated by the energization of any one of said electromagnets to maintain the corresponding .contacts closed when said electromagnet is subsequently deenergized, and means for unlatching said latching means to open said contacts when another of said electromagnets is energized.

3. A relay mechanism comprising a plurality of electromagnets, an armature positioned adiacent each of said electromagnets and movable toward and away therefrom as the corresponding electromagnet is energized and .de-energized, respectively, a stationary. contact adjacent each of 'said armatures, a contact carried by each of said armature and adapted to contact with one of said stationary contacts when the corresponding electromagnet is energized, a pivoted latch member adjacent each armature and normally in contact therewith, said latch members being rigidly connected to one another, means on said armature for deflecting the corresponding latch member when the corresponding electromagnet is energized, and spring means for holding said latch member in a position to support said armature in an intermediate position when said electromagnet is subsequently de-energized.

4. A relay mechanism comprising a plurality of electromagnets, an armature positioned adjacent each of said electromagnets and movable toward and away therefrom as the corresponding electromagnet is energized and de-energized, respectively, a stationary contact adjacent each of said armatures, a contact carried by each of said armatures and adapted to contact with one of said stationary contacts when the corresponding electromagnet is energized, a pivoted latch member adjacent each armature and normally in contact therewith, said latch members being rigidly connected to one another, means on each armature for deflecting the corresponding latch member when the corresponding electromagnet is energized, spring means '10: holding saidlatch member in a position to support said armature in an intermediate position when said electromagnet is subsequently de energized, and separate means 7 on said armature for deflecting said latch member when the corresponding electromagnet is energized while said armature is in theintermediate latched position. W

5. A relay mechanism comprising a plurality 1a of spaced electromagnets, an'armatur'e pivotally mounted adjacent each oi said electromagnets and adapted to move toward and away therefrom as the corresponding electroma net is energized and de-energized, respectively, a stationary contact adjacent each armature, a contact spring carried by each armature, a contact on said corresponding latch members and stops in contact, said latch members and armatures being relatively positioned whereby when one of said ,electrom ets is energized, the corresponding armature stop engages said latch member sho 'der to inove said latch member outwardly against,

the action or said spring means. LEWIS B; wm'ron. 

